Proximity detector to indicate function of a key

Abstract

An input device with a user-selectable key that includes a proximity detector associated with the key. The proximity detector detects the proximity or touch of a user's finger and provides user feedback related to the function of the key, without actually activating the function of the key. This allows a user to determine what a particular key on a keyboard or other device will do by simply hovering the user's finger near the top of the key, or lightly touching the key without depressing it.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An input device comprising: 
       a user-selectable key;  
       a proximity detector associated with said key for detecting the proximity of a user's finger to said key and generating a proximity signal;  
       a user feedback device;  
       a controller, responsive to said proximity signal, for providing information through said user feedback device related to a function of said key, without activating said function of said key;  
       an indicator associated with said key; and  
       said controller activating said indicator in response to a received, external event associated with said function of said key.  
     
     
       2. An input device comprising: 
       a user-selectable key;  
       a proximity detector associated with said key for detecting the proximity of a user's finger to said key and generating a proximity signal;  
       a user feedback device;  
       a controller, responsive to said proximity signal, for providing information through said user feedback device related to a function of said key, without activating said function of said key;  
       wherein said proximity signal activates a first function, causing a function, beyond identification of said key or a function, to be executed, and a depressing of said key activates a second function.  
     
     
       3. An input device comprising: 
       a user-selectable key;  
       a proximity detector associated with said key for detecting the proximity of a user's finger to said key and generating a proximity signal;  
       a user feedback device;  
       a controller, responsive to said proximity signal, for providing information through said user feedback device related to a function of said key, without activating said function of said key;  
       wherein said information is an external event received over a computer network.  
     
     
       4. An input device comprising: 
       a user-selectable key;  
       a proximity detector associated with said key for detecting the proximity of a user's finger to said key and generating a proximity signal; and  
       a controller, responsive to said proximity signal, for taking an action different from an action taken upon touching or depressing said key and other than identifying said key or actions.